How to Live Harmoniously in a Shared House | 10 House Sharing Rules to Live by

students cooking in the kitchen of a flat

Moving into a shared house can be scary especially if you’ll be living with strangers, but it is also a really rewarding experience, filled with fun memories and new friendships. Plus, with the rising costs of everything across the UK, it’s no surprise that more and more people are opting for shared accommodation. To help you make the most of your shared house experience, we’ve put together our top 10 tips…

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What are the benefits of living in a shared house 🏡

Before we dive into the tips, let’s talk about why living in a shared house can be so great. Firstly, it’s a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your social circle. Whether you’re living with friends or strangers, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others who share your interests and lifestyle. Plus, studies have shown that living with others can have a positive impact on your mental health – bonus points for a happier you ☺️

Financially speaking, renting a room in a shared house is much more affordable than renting your own flat. In pricey areas like London, this can make a huge difference in your budget. And hey, who doesn’t love saving some cash, right? 💸

10 House sharing rules to live by 📝

  1. Get social: Take the time to get to know your housemates. Whether it’s grabbing a pint at the local pub or cooking up a storm together, building friendships will make your living situation all the more enjoyable 🗣️
  2. Keep it down: While it’s great to let your personality shine, be mindful of noise levels, particularly late at night. Respect your housemates’ need for quiet time – they’ll appreciate it, especially if they’re sleeping in the bedroom closest to the front door! 😴
  3. Pitch in: No one likes a messy shared house. Chip in with the chores and establish a cleaning rota to keep things spick and span. Check out our downloadable weekly and monthly cleaning rotas that you can use 🧽
  4. Pay up: Pay your rent and bills on time – it’s as simple as that! It might be worth using a service like Resooma, which can bundle all your bills into one easy monthly payment, so you never have to worry about paying bills ever again. Bills inclusive shared accommodation makes renting easier too 💡
  5. Create a group chat: Create a group chat with your housemates early on. Whether it’s a WhatsApp group chat, a Facebook Messenger chat or a physical message board in the kitchen, having the means to communicate openly is crucial. Use these channels to discuss concerns, plan events, and stay connected with each other’s schedules📱
  6. Bathroom etiquette: Coordinate shower times with your housemates to avoid any morning rush-hour chaos. A little planning goes a long way 🚿
  7. Report issues: Don’t ignore maintenance problems – report them promptly to your landlord or letting agent. A happy house is a well-maintained one 🏚️
  8. Cook together: Bond over a delicious meal with your housemates. Not only is it a fun way to spend time together, but it’ll also save you some dough on energy bills 🍝
  9. Share and share alike: Embrace the spirit of sharing by pooling resources with your housemates. From toilet paper to milk runs, teamwork makes the dream work 🧻
  10. Stay open-minded: Approach shared living with an open heart and mind. You’ll learn and grow so much from the experience, making memories that will last a lifetime 💛

What to do if you feel isolated in a shared house?

Although living in shared accommodation is fun and exciting, there may be times when you begin to feel isolated and alone. You may not feel like you fit in with your housemates, but there are ways to overcome these feelings. We’ve compiled another list of tips that can help you overcome the feeling of isolation in a shared house

  1. Reach out: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your housemates and express how you’re feeling. They may not realise you’re feeling isolated and could make an effort to include you in activities or conversations 😌
  2. Join activities: Take the initiative to join in on house activities or outings. Whether it’s cooking dinner together, watching a movie, or going for a walk, participating in shared experiences can help you feel more connected 📺
  3. Explore outside: Explore opportunities outside of your shared house to meet new people and engage in activities that interest you. Join clubs, attend events, or volunteer in your community to expand your social circle 🏸
  4. Create boundaries: Set boundaries with your housemates if you need alone time or space. It’s important to prioritise your well-being and communicate your needs openly ✋
  5. Seek support: If you continue to feel isolated, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor for support and guidance. Sometimes, talking to someone outside of the situation can provide valuable perspective and advice 💛

By following these tips you and your housemates can live harmoniously in your shared house.

Prefer video content? Watch this video all about how to live harmoniously in a shared house 👇

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